“There are so many unique and attractive destinations, tourism products and activities that bring people, both locals and foreigners, to the area,” he said at the MPP Appreciation Night held at Riverside Majestic Lounge here on Friday.

As such, he added that it was not surprising that Borneo Highland which hosts the annual nature challenge, became the location of choice for many outdoor sporting activities like hiking, trekking, marathon, triathlon and cycling.

Among the notable sporting events that MPP has organised and hosted are the Borneo Highland Resort Nature Challenge, Hash Run, Padawan Raft Safari and Padawan 4×4 International Challenge.

“More importantly, organising these events bring considerable impact and benefits to the areas as well as to the local community especially in providing a stream of economic activities and enhancing community participation that helps to build and develop the entire area and community,” he said.

“There’s no doubt such healthy leisure and sporting events are able to draw people to the areas, often in large numbers, where they will spend money and contribute to spurring economic growth in the area,” he added.

Ahmad hoped MPP would continue to lead in organising more sporting events to promote and put Padawan on the world map.

“Hopefully the Padawan 4×4 International Challenge can happen this year as it was postponed last year due to unforeseen circumstances,” he said.